Not long before he died,
Odom made the album of his life with a combo called the Gold Tops, who provided precisely the right backing to properly spotlight his booming voice. A few overdone standards -- "Rock Me Baby," "Woke Up This Morning," "Next Time You See Me" -- intrude a bit, but
Odom's own "Bad Feelin'," "Why Did You Leave Me," and "Come to Me" make impassioned amends.
Steve Freund, best-known for his long stint with
Sunnyland Slim, contributes stellar lead guitar. ~ Bill Dahl